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Definitions

time was

ADJECTIVE
past
Synonyms
STRONGEST
earlier early late old preceding previous prior recent
STRONG
ancient bygone latter over
WEAK
ages ago ancient history back when behind one bypast down memory lane erstwhile ex- foregoing gone-by good old days latter-day long-ago olden days once one-time quondam retired sometime way back way back when
Antonyms
STRONGEST
after current future later on time
STRONG
modern new
WEAK
present
ADVERB
ago
Synonyms
WEAK
ages ago back back when before from way back from year one gone since since God knows when
ADVERB
formerly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
already earlier heretofore once
STRONG
erstwhile
WEAK
a while back aforetime anciently at one time away back back back when before before now before this down memory lane eons ago erewhile in former times in the olden days in the past lately long ago of old of yore olden days once upon a time radically some time ago used to be water under the bridge
Antonyms
WEAK
currently future presently subsequently
ADVERB
once
Synonyms
STRONGEST
already before earlier formerly late previously
STRONG
erstwhile
WEAK
a single time at one time away back back back when but once bygone heretofore in the old days in the olden days in times gone by in times past long ago old on one occasion once only once upon a time one one time before one time previously only one time quondam sometime this time whilom
Antonyms
STRONGEST
currently future later presently
ADVERB
previously
Synonyms
STRONGEST
already formerly heretofore hitherto long ago once then
STRONG
antecedently
WEAK
a while ago ahead ante at one time away back back back when before beforehand erstwhile fore forward in advance in anticipation in days gone by in the past precedently until now
Antonyms
WEAK
currently future later presently

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One of the greatest gangster films of all time was nearly marred by tragedy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The first time was in November against Texas, when the Bruins — now a program-record 35-1 — suffered their only loss this season.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

Caesar, Hegel writes, was driven by “an unconscious impulse that occasioned the accomplishment of that for which the time was ripe.”

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

In the expropriation, the Argentine state took over 51 percent of YPF, which at the time was partially controlled by the Spanish energy giant Repsol.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

But the time was short and there was much to plan.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.